United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas Event

Most of our "true-life" blogs are about our fabulous brides. However, today we wanted to show you the amazing details from the non-profit UCP Event: Once Upon A Time, that was held at the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock. When we were approached by Inspired Grace Events, who was handling the event design, to create something for the event using earthy and whimsical touches with a modern twist, we went straight to the design board!

We started the design with the earth, so we brought in custom wreaths that we added to using Bear Grass and white Dendrobium Orchid blooms. We knew that Inspired Grace had centerpieces being brought in that were to be used as anchors in the room, and that those centerpieces would be very clean and modern. Because we wanted to continue the same clean look, we created floral accents that could be attached to the centerpieces that would add a whimsical flair. These accents combined the Bear Grass and Dendrobium Orchids from the wreaths in an asymmetrical design to compliment the modern centerpieces. 

Considering we never saw the centerpieces that the floral accents would be added to, we were ecstatic to see how well the accents worked. This event will definitely go into our book of design favorites, and serves as a great example of how when given the right direction two worlds can be combined perfectly.

Enjoy!

True Love Tuesday: Mary & Adam

Mary and Adam were married on a gorgeous day in May. And her color choices couldn't have been more perfect! The blues and purples were a perfect compliment to the perfectly blue sky that day! We used Hydrangea, Gladiolas, Iris, Eryngium, Seafoam Statice, and deep purple Carnations. For an added bit of softness, we wrapped all of her vases is ribbons of lace. Her bridal bouquet was a fabulous natural cascade with Lily Grass and Curly Willow accents mixed with the different blooms used throughout her floral design.

Enjoy!!!

"What's in a name? That which we call a Rose..."

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose..."

-- Shakespeare; Romeo & Juliet

When Shakespeare used this quote in Romeo & Juliet, he was referring to the fact that a name is an artificial and meaningless convention. How right was he when it comes to using the name "Rose"?! In our world of flowers, we get requests for Roses everyday. However, as many clients soon learn, to us a rose is just a name, with over 100 species (and thousands of varieties) of roses we find ourselves breaking out the design books and going into full-on teacher mode! 

The common misunderstanding is the difference between the traditional Standard (or Hybrid Tea) Rose and the Garden (or English) Rose.  The use of one over the other can change the entire style and feeling of an arrangement. Keep in mind that we're covering only the bare minimum about roses as cut flowers here, and not going into the intricate history, varieties, classifications, care and handling, or growing of roses.  

Standard Roses are the most common type of rose. These roses are have a large head supported by a long, straight stem.  If you've ever received or ordered a 'dozen long stemmed roses,' it's most likely been a standard rose variety.  The wide variety of color options, traditional shape, year-round availability and reasonable price makes this rose very popular for weddings. 

Standard roses used in bouquets, centerpieces, and cake decor.

Garden Roses are known for their high petal count, lush appearance, and wonderful fragrance. As cut flowers, they have a shorter vase life than the standard rose.  However, their fragrance and appearance is often a fair trade.  Garden roses are often mistaken for Peonies because of their similar appearances. If you are looking for a flower that will give you a soft look, and you can't get Peonies then this would be flower. 

In recent years, David Austin, a well-known rose breeder, has developed many varieties of English Garden Roses, which have become increasingly popular.  These roses are known for deep cups, high petal counts, and absolutely amazing fragrance.  We often use the David Austin varieties in our wedding designs.  As you can see, they bring a soft, romantic feeling to any bouquet.

David Austin Garden roses featured in bridal bouquets.
Varieties include 'Juliette' and 'Pink Piano', two of our favorites.

More images of garden roses can be seen on our Pinterest Board: Flower: Garden Roses

Enjoy!!

Information sources: Wikipedia-garden roses and David Austin Roses 

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!!

Here are a few inspirations for your Labor Day decor! Enjoy!

These low centerpieces are great as hostess gifts or for your own event!